Ella Donnison from Nottingham captains the newly formed England A side in their bid to defend the European Cup, in Denmark next week.

Wicketkeeper Donnison is optimistic her team can extend England’s unbeaten run in the competition despite playing against full national sides from Holland, Denmark and Ireland, in that order.

She is also keen to emulate the success of England captain Karen Smithies, a clubmate at Thrumpton, who played a heroine’s role in England’s three wicket defeat of India in the third One-Day International at Trent Bridge yesterday (July 11).

England have won all four European Cups to date, in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1995. Donnison, Bev Nicholson, Kathryn Wilkins and Katharine Winks also played in the 1996 European U-23 Cup as part of England’s U-21 side, and also came home victorious.

Donnison said: ``It’s a great honour to be in the side and to be captain. We are representing the full England team and we want to prove that the selectors were right to put faith in us.

``The England coaches Paul Farbrace and Jane Powell believe we have every chance of winning. The tournament will also give our youngsters very good experience of international cricket.''

The tournament runs from July 19-22 in Nykobing Mors, Jutland. The England A side meet at Shenley Park, Herts for a training day this Friday (July 16), the second day of the Test match between England and India at the same venue, and fly to Denmark on Saturday.

England A: Ella Donnison, Capt (East Mids), Laura Harper (West), Jackie Hawker West),Dawn Holden (East Mids), Hannah Lloyd (West) Beth Morgan (Middlx), Bev Nicholson (Yorks), Jo Robinson (Yorks), Nicki Shaw (East Mids), Laura Spragg (Yorks), Arran Thompson (Lancs), Kathryn Wilkins (West), Katharine Winks (West).